Brian claims historic victory in Bann Valley Road Club event

Another frequent visitor to Bann Valley, Barry Hayes, of Island Wheelers, took second with 23.18 narrowly beating Bann Valley’s Gerard McNally into third place by two seconds.

History was made at this TT with the welcome attendance of Darrell Irwin and Bryan Philips of the Uster Hand Cycling Association who took part following their participation in the Ulster 25 mile TT on the same course. Darrell finished in a time of 32.56 with Bryan closely behind with 33.15.

On Wednesday night the road race round of the youth series was run over two laps of the Gortmacrane course in Kilrea.

The handicap was based on the previous 10 mile TT and the nineteen competitors were set off in four groups.

The first two U12 riders Brian McAuley BVRC and Scott Donley BCC were given five minutes on the next group and nine minutes to the scratch group. They were accompanied by senior rider Adrian McPeake.

AS they completed the first lap the two U12 riders were still ahead of the field and had held the gap to six minutes from the now combined field.

Speculation was rife on the line as to whether the two youngsters could hold on against the likes of Shea McTaggart, Shaun Byrne and Thomas McDonnell but as the lead car approached it was clear that the youngsters had ridden out of their skins and held off the field. As the line came into view Bann Valley’s Brian McAuley sprinted clear to a famous victory, with his companion Ballymoney’s Scott Donley finishing close behind they received rapturous applause from the numerous spectators.

The main bunch sprint some three minutes later was a straight fight between Shea and Shaun with Shea just edging it by the smallest of margins. Thomas McDonnell in only his second race sprinted with Shay Donely for fifth.

Congratulations to all who took part, marshalled or just supported what was a fantastic event.

Congratulations also to five Bann Valley Youth riders who performed brilliantly in the recent Ulster Youth Championships held in Lurgan. All riders finished comfortably in the main bunch in the road race. Shea McTaggart and Thomas McDonnell competed in the Under 16 category with Eoin Mellon, Rob Lawrence and Niall Lawrence competing in the Under 14 category. In the under 14 road race the 3 boys displayed some excellent team tactics with Eoin leading his team mates out after they became trapped on the inside of the large bunch. Particular congratulations to Thomas for performing so well in his first open race.

Congratulations also to Niall Lawrence who collected a silver and two bronze medals in his 3 under 14 races at the Irish National Youth Track championships held in Dublin on 19th July.

MARIE CURIE EVENT

The Marie Curie Cancer Care Tour of the North Coast will be held this year on Sunday 17th August leaving Portglenone Community centre at 10AM with sign on from 9.30AM. The fee will be a minimum of £10 with ALL proceeds going to Marie Curie. Refreshments will be available afterward in the community centre.